Anane testifies before CHRAJ

... I don't know my salary -Anane
...Sues Raymond Archer for libel
Roads Transport Minister, Richard Anane has begun giving evidence before the Human Rights? Commission investigating him for alleged corruption, abuse of office and conflict of interest.

Led in the almost three-hour long evidence by the commission?s counsel, Dr. Bondzie Simpson, the minister repeated to the commission that his friends and families are the ones who have supported him financially, especially in remitting money to his American mistress, Alexandra O?Brien for the upkeep of their son Nicholas.

Dr. Richard Anane swore on the cross before proceeding to give his evidence, which bothered largely on his income, assets and how he was able to meet the financial demands of his American mistress, Alexandra, O?Brien.

He couldn?t tell the commission how much he earns monthly, because according to him, his salary keeps changing.

Dr. Anane mentioned his wife, Mercy Afriyie Anane and his brother John Mensah, who he said bought even the suit he wore to the hearing and Collins Duodu-Bonsu, his bosom friend and former special assistant, as some of his benefactors.

He confirmed that Mr. Duodu-Bonsu remitted US$72,000 (?700 million) to Alexandra O?Brien, but was quick to add that it was not done upon his instructions.

The Minister told the Commission that he only got to know of these remittances at the latter part of last year.

With his wife Mercy looking on and eager to come to his aid during certain moments of the hearing, Dr. Anane denied any suggestions of bigamy, saying Alexandra, who he said loves to be called Anane is not his wife.

He told the commission that he only permitted his son Nicholas, who he had with the American, to be called Anane.

Dr. Anane also denied that he pushed the country into an understanding with his mistress?s World Health Monitor Program because of their love affair.

According to him, the signing of the MOU was only to assist him find out more about the program.

Meanwhile, lawyers of the Minister are threatening to withdraw from the hearings if the Human Rights Commission fails to uphold its own rules and regulations.

The lawyers are asking for the expulsion of Raymond Archer from the hearings saying he?s in contempt of the Commission.

Proceedings were held up for about 30 minutes when Raymond Archer walked into the packed conference of the Commission.

Dr. Anane?s led counsel, Jacob Acquah-Sampson argued that Raymond Archer who was given the opportunity to sit in the in camera hearing of Alexandra O?Brien breached the publication ban imposed on the hearings and published the proceedings before the ban was lifted.

However, the facts did not support Mr. Acquah-Sampson?s argument as the publication he produced to support his case came after the ban was lifted.

But the lawyers are still seeking the expulsion of the Enquirer newspaper from the proceedings because of what say are publications that seek to damage the reputation of the client.

The Commission says it will rule on the matter later.

Anane sues Raymond Archer for libel

Roads Transport Minister, Richard Anane has dragged the editor of the Enquirer newspaper, Raymond Archer to an Accra fast track high court for libel.

The Minister is seeking ? billion in damages including exemplary damages for two publications in the newspaper, which he says has caused considerable damage to his reputation.

Dr. Anane is also seeking an injunction restraining Mr. Archer and his newspaper from further publishing or causing to be published any other articles that are defamatory to him.

According to the writ, the Enquirer newspaper published on its front page on Monday May 30 2005 under the headline; ?Mr. Incredible ? Anane?s Giant Killing? that its investigations have revealed that Dr. Richard Anane improperly entered into a memorandum of understand on behalf of the state, with his American mistress, Alexandra O?Brien in respect of an HIV project, at a time he had already commenced a sexual relationship with her.

The writ said the paper by this publication suggested that Dr. Anane directly placed himself in a position where his personal interest conflicted with his position and office as a minister, and had acted in a manner that violates the code of conduct applicable to his office.

The Minister says the publication has not only damaged his reputation, but has also caused him to suffer considerable distress and embarrassment.

The writ also refers to another front page publication of April 13 this year, in which the paper alleges that Alexandra O?Brien had told the Commission on Human Right and Administrative Justice that on two separate trips to Ghana, Dr. Anane gave her a sweetheart cheque with the face value of about ?8 billion and at least 10,000 dollars kick back cash which he received from a contractor.

The Minister says in counteracting the adverse effects of the articles complained of and to refute its allegations the plaintiff has incurred considerable legal related costs.

He?s therefore suing the paper for ?5 billion.

But you think that is too much, reliable sources close to the Minister hinted me that this is just one of series of legal suits planned against Mr. Archer whose publications bordering on corruption, abuse of office and conflict of interest against the Minister has occasioned the ongoing CHRAJ investigations of Dr. Anane.